Upper Calf Pain

Have you ever experienced upper calf pain recently? Does it seem like it makes way out of nowhere and sticks around? Or maybe the fact that it comes about and then fades away on its own? Pain in the upper calf can be of varied forms and it is imperative for you to observe the events that lead to it, because that will help you draw up the proper forms of treatment for the same. The other question that makes way is the kind of pain that ensues. Is it a throbbing sort of pain or a dull constant pain? This will again give us an insight into the causes of upper calf muscle pain and how to remedy the same. In the article that follows, we will study this topic in detail and understand the varied aspects of the same.

Causes of Calf Pain (Upper Section)

This form of pain could be brought about as a result of several events and actions. Let us see what these are.

Muscle Wear and Tear
Many times you'll notice that there is calf pain in the upper sections of the calf after running or after taking forth any other activity, for that matter. Why does this happen? Notice carefully whether the calf muscle pain while running or after running is ensued because you have undertaken the activity after a long time. Putting the muscles under sudden pressure can cause a wear and tear in the muscles, especially if the correct and proper form of warm up exercises are not taken into account. The muscle groups go into sudden spasms and begin to ache because they are not used to the action. It has been seen that the pain generally ensues as calf pain in the upper portions and behind knees.

The main factor to understand in this is that one has to ensure that the right kind of warm up exercises are undertaken. This is necessary so that it does not cause any damage to the muscles. Along with that, giving the muscles the time to adjust to the strenuous exercises is important. The more the muscles are made to work, the better they will acclimatize and the pain will stop soon enough. If, however, there is a tear in the ligament or tendon, the pain will not subside and there will be redness and swelling as well. That is the time you contact a doctor.

Less or More Supply of Blood
Another common cause of calf pain in the upper regions of the calf is that there is either less or more supply of blood. When there is physical activity that is being undertaken, the leg needs more supply of blood and oxygen so that it can carry forth the physical activity better. Sometimes however, there are certain circulatory problems that arise which can be caused by a number of reasons. The main being that there is a block in the arteries or there is a hardening of the arteries which prevents proper circulation. In such a case, the body cannot pump the proper nutrients to the leg and it leads to upper calf pain while running or while doing any other activity. The other problem that improper circulation can cause is that it might not allow for the proper flow of blood away from the legs. This will again cause pain and lead to complications like varicose veins and the like.

Arterial insufficiency is usually experienced intermittently and it is noticed that the pain is at its peak when there is physical activity, and it stops when the physical activity is stopped. On the other hand, a more severe and advanced condition known as intermittent claudication is where the calf pain comes about when there is no physical activity undertaken. During rest, for example. This can cause severe pain that can last for a long time and requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment for Upper Calf Pain

Since this condition can come about as a result of varied factors, the treatment of the same will depend on the kind of factors that have led to the pain:

• For muscle wear and tear, a cold pack has to be administered immediately. Proper rest and elevation of the foot or feet should also be administered.
• Painkillers can be prescribed to deal with the pain.
• If the condition worsens (tenderness, swelling, redness) then a doctor needs to be consulted so that they can check to see if there is any major ligament or tendon tear and can carry forth the proper form of treatment.
• For other conditions like arterial blockage and venous claudication, a healthy diet and lifestyle becomes crucial in dealing with the problem.
• The doctor will also start you off on a program that focuses on walking exercises and the like, depending on the severity of the condition.

Upper calf pain, as we have seen, can be caused by a number of reasons. The main thing therefore is to keep a check on what causes it and ensure that immediate medical attention be provided for the same if the condition seems to be worsening. Do not ignore the pain as it can be an indication of a serious medical condition and can lead to further complications if neglected.